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AUTHORS: Christopher N. Jacques, South Dakota State University; Jonathan A. Jenks, South Dakota State University; Robert W. Klaver, U.S. Geological Survey; Shelli A. Dubay, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
ABSTRACT: Few studies have evaluated how wetland and forest characteristics influence prevalence of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) infection of deer throughout the grassland biome of central North America. We used previously collected prevalence data (i.e., county-level) to evaluate associations between habitat characteristics and probability of meningeal worm infection in white-tailed deer (WTD) across eastern South Dakota, USA. The highest-ranked binomial regression model for detecting probability of meningeal worm infection was spring temperature (SPRT) + summer precipitation (SUMP) + percent wetland (PLAND_WET); weight of evidence (wi=0.71) favored this model over alternative models, though predictive capability was low (ROC=0.62). Probability of meningeal worm infection increased by 1.3- and 1.6-fold for each 1 cm and 1 C increase in summer precipitation and spring temperature, respectively. Similarly, probability of infection increased 1.2-fold for each percent increase in wetland habitat. Our findings highlight the importance of wetland habitat in predicting meningeal worm infection across eastern South Dakota. Future research evaluating the relationships between climatic conditions (e.g., drought, wet cycles) and deer habitat selection on maintaining P. tenuis along the western boundary of the parasite is warranted.
